In this episode of Perkins for the People, Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen for a real, unfiltered conversation about leadership, justice, and the fight for community power. Mayor Nolen shares his journey from attorney to public servant, explaining what pushed him to step up when his community needed a voice.

Together, they unpack the real issues—skyrocketing water bills, the emotional weight of losing public schools, and the daily struggle of serving a city with dignity and transparency. They also dive into hard truths around national and international politics, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and how these global events impact local communities.

This episode isn’t about political theater—it’s about purpose. Mayor Nolen speaks candidly about his congressional run in Michigan’s 12th district and the importance of leading with compassion, not ambition. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to lead with integrity in today’s world, this conversation is a must-listen.

Please contact a trusted attorney if you have any questions:

www.perkinslawgroup.net

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Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Mayor Byron Nolen
05:41 – The Impact of Community Engagement
08:59 – Education and Community Identity
11:51 – Water Management Challenges
14:41 – Political Aspirations and Community Needs
19:02 – The Importance of Representation in Politics
22:12 – Due Process and Rights of Individuals
25:33 – The Role of Wealth in Politics
28:44 – The Complexity of Global Conflicts
30:34 – The Numbness to Global Suffering
32:01 – The Challenge of Peace in Conflict Zones
33:21 – Local Politics and National Implications
34:47 – The Role of Public Service
36:06 – The Future of Political Representation
38:33 – Campaign Communication and Engagement
40:57 – Legal Career vs. Public Service
42:08 – Reflections on the Shaw-More Incident
43:41 – University of Michigan’s Handling of Controversy
48:53 – Political Landscape and District Dynamics
51:15 – Independent Candidates and Political Strategy

In this urgent episode of Perkins for the People, Todd Perkins delivers powerful legal guidance in response to rising fears in our communities—from ICE raids to surprise visits from law enforcement.

He answers real questions from his producer, Connie Smith about the follow: What are your rights if someone knocks on your door? What should you tell your kids? How do we protect each other legally and constitutionally?

This episode is a critical listen for anyone trying to stay safe, stay smart, and stay free in Detroit and beyond.

Protecting yourself from I.C.E.

If You Open the Door, Get Caught Outside, or They Say They Have a Judicial Warrant:

• Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.
• Ask to see their badge or ID through a window or peephole.
• Remember the agent’s name—you may need it later.
• Ask to see a Judicial Warrant (not just any warrant).
• Have them place it on a window or slip it under the door—do not open the door.

Check the Warrant for These:

• Signed by a judge.
• Has your address listed.
• Describes the person or items they want to seize.
• Dated within the last 14 days.

If it doesn’t meet those requirements, you do NOT have to let them in. Say:
“I do not consent to your entry.”

Whether they enter or not:

• You have the right to remain silent.
• You don’t have to say anything—even if they have a warrant.
• Do not lie or give false documents.
• Anything you say can be used against you—silence is protection.

Please contact a trusted attorney if you have any questions:

www.perkinslawgroup.net

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

FB / toddrussellperkins_

IG / toddrussellperkins

FB / perkinsforthepeople

Youtube / @toddperkinsforthepeoplepodcast

In this powerful and timely conversation, Detroit City Ombudsman Sherry Gay-Dagnogo joins host Attorney Todd Perkins to discuss community leadership, education, justice, equity, and political accountability—and why all of it matters now more than ever.

As Detroit’s Ombudsman, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo serves as an advocate for residents, working to hold city departments accountable while ensuring voices from the community are heard. In this episode, she shares her personal journey in public service, her deep commitment to education as a tool for change, and how understanding history, governance, and civic responsibility shapes stronger policies and more equitable outcomes.

This conversation explores:

• The role of the Detroit City Ombudsman and how the office supports residents
• Why education changes life trajectories and strengthens communities
• The importance of justice, equity, and political accountability in local government
• How community engagement leads to better governance and policy outcomes
• The challenges of political advocacy and the need for collaborative solutions
• Building a lasting legacy of leadership that empowers future generations

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo also reflects on the evolving political landscape in Detroit, the importance of youth involvement, and future initiatives focused on education, outreach, and resident advocacy.

If you care about Detroit politics, civic engagement, government accountability, education reform, and community leadership, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and real-world perspective from someone doing the work on the ground.

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Like, comment, and share to help elevate important voices shaping Detroit’s future

More about Sherry Gay-Dagnogo:

https://detroitmi.gov/government/ombudsman

The Perkins Law Group:
http://perkinslawgroup.net/

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

/ toddrussellperkins_

/ toddrussellperkins

/ perkinsforthepeople

/ @toddperkinsforthepeople

In this episode of Perkins for the People, Detroit Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido to unpack Michigan’s $312 million child support crisis—and a bold new vision to fix it.

Lucido outlines a first-of-its-kind child support specialty court, designed to help parents behind on payments get jobs, avoid felonies, and support their families. Together, he and Perkins explore how family dynamics, rehabilitation, and mental health must take center stage in true justice reform.

They also get real about cultural understanding, integrity in public service, and what it means to build the next generation of leaders—with accountability, not punishment.

This is more than policy—it’s people-powered change.
Because Detroit deserves better—and we’re going to build it.

Key Topics covered:

• $312M in unpaid child support
• Innovative legal reform
• Family and fatherhood
• Rehabilitation over incarceration
• Integrity in prosecution
• Hate crimes and cultural diversity
• Investing in future leaders
• Serving, not sentencing

The Perkins Law Group:

http://perkinslawgroup.net/

To Watch the Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e9IvtDTyhc

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/toddrussellperkins_/

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRussellPerkins

https://www.tiktok.com/@perkinsforthepeople

https://www.youtube.com/@ToddPerkinsforThePeople

In this engaging conversation, Attorney Todd Perkins and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans discuss the importance of community service, collaboration, and effective governance. Evans reflects on the financial turnaround of Wayne County, the significance of regional transit, and the challenges in healthcare. The county executive also shares insights on the recent election, personal interests like vacationing in Michigan's historic Idlewild, and highlighting his commitment to serving the community.

The Perkins Law Group:

http://perkinslawgroup.net/

To Watch the Video:

https://www.youtube.com/@PerkinsforThePeoplePodcast

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/toddrussellperkins_/

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRussellPerkins

https://www.tiktok.com/@perkinsforthepeople

In this inaugural episode of 'Perkins for the People', Judge Sean B. Perkins shares his journey from a family man and lawyer to a judge in Detroit's 36th District Court. He discusses the importance of community engagement in the legal system, the role of unions, and the challenges facing Detroit today. The conversation also touches on his viral moments including the Detroit Officer with no pants on.f

Takeaways:

Judge Perkins emphasizes the importance of bringing the court to the community.
He shares his unexpected journey to becoming a judge.
The role of community service in the legal process is highlighted.
Judge Perkins discusses the significance of unions in protecting workers' rights.
He reflects on the value of education and family support in his life.
The conversation addresses the current state of Detroit and its challenges.
Judge Perkins expresses a desire to help the youth of Detroit.
He shares personal anecdotes about family and upbringing.
The importance of fairness in the legal system is a recurring theme.
Judge Perkins is open to future political opportunities to serve the community.

The Perkins Law Group:

http://perkinslawgroup.net/

To Watch the Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e9IvtDTyhc

Follow Attorney Todd Perkins on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/toddrussellperkins_/

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRussellPerkins

https://www.tiktok.com/@perkinsforthepeople

https://www.youtube.com/@ToddPerkinsforThePeople

Follow Judge Perkins on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/judgeperkins313/